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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender
Community Newsmagazine
www.optionsri.org
March 2013
Hope for the Future
Newport’s MET School Gay/Straight Alliance Gets Busy
Student members of GLOW (Gay, Lesbian or Whatever) participate in Westboro Baptist Church counter-protest in Times Square, NY on a cold day in January. The church referrred to New York City as “fag central.” Story on page 16.
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Scene Around Providence
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News Briefs
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Calendar
10 New Lesbian Novel from RI Author 12 Finding Kathys’ Group 14 Who Belongs at PFLAG? 16 MET School GSA 18 RI Pride 19 SAGE/RI 21 Youth Pride, Inc. 22 AIDS Community Watch 24 Imperial Court 25 RI United for Marriage 27 Resources Lesbians on the Loose
q Serving the RI LGBT Community q Since 1982 q Visit our Resources Sectionq on p. 27 options 1 march 2013
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Scene Around Providence Photography courtesy of Jack Hartwein-Sanchez
We usually reserve this space for fundraiser photos, but a couple of star sightings caught our eye this month, as seen above: The January 19 Saturday Night Show at the Dark Lady featured the return of Elle Davenport to Providence. Rhode Islander Joseph Aaron Segal, a contestant on this season’s Project Runway, stopped in at the Dark Lady on January 24 to watch the show’s season premiere, celebrate his birthday and give away some of his creations. Many thanks to our own Imperial Court, who held their January Snowflake Ball, shown below, as a fundraiser for Options News Magazine.
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News Briefs RI is Way Gay
Go Newport!
Rhode Island had a higher percentage of adults who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender in 2012 than all but two states that have legalized same-sex marriage, according to a WPRI Newsblog
According to The Newport Daily News, the board of directors of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce this week voted unanimously to back same-sex marriage in this state because it could help boost the local and regional economy. “Currently, Rhode Island is at a competitive disadvantage with our New England neighbors who already have marriage equality,” said Laura F. Pedrick, the board chairwoman, in a written statement.
At 4.5%, the state ranked No. 5 overall, behind Maine, Oregon, Vermont and Hawaii, which led the way at 5.1%. Ten percent of Washington D.C.’s population identified as LGBT.
The Newport County Chamber of Commerce has 1,100 member companíes and organizations, making it the second largest chamber in Rhode Island, according to its statement. Chamber members employ more than 50,000 people throughout Newport County and the state.
The national average was 3.5%. Gallup’s findings came after 206,186 interviews conducted between June and December. The organization is calling its survey the “largest study of the distribution of the LGBT population in the U.S. on record.”
Rhode Islanders United for Marriage Opens Action Center Rhode Islanders didn’t get to celebrate Valentine’s Day with any same-sex weddings, but the broad-based grassroots group Rhode Islanders United for Marriage commemorated the day by opening a new operations center at 9 Central Street in Providence.
Openly Gay Lawmaker Announces Bid For Ed Markey’s Seat
Vassar College Students Raise Thousands In Response To Westboro Protest Threat
Massachusetts State Rep. Carl Sciortino (D) has announced his intention to run for U.S. Rep. Edward Markey’s seat if the Democratic congressman is successful in his Senate bid to replace Secretary of State John Kerry in June. Sciortino is one of the few openly gay members in the state legislature and has made significant milestones since joining the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2005. During his first term, he helped pass legislation that protected women entering reproductive health care facilities, legislation for the creation of affordable housing for senior citizens, and the Transgender Equal Rights Law.
Responding to a notice from the Westboro Baptist Church that it intended to protest on the Vassar College campus, the school community pledged to raise $100 for every minute the group plans to protest. Word of the WBC’s intention to visit the school traveled quickly across social media, and within hours, Vassar students were contributing to a Crowdrise.com account to raise money for the Trevor Project, an organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBT youth. At press time, the protest had raised over $75,000.
Gay Murders In NYC Have Advocates Discussing Safety Of Hook-Up Sites A gay man found dead in his apartment in the Jackson Heights neighborhood in Queens prompted a gathering of LGBT New Yorkers to talk about their fears related to online dating. It was the third murder of a gay man in New York
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City in a month. Ejeris Dixon of the Anti-Violence Project, the advocacy group that organized the event voiced concerns about safety and online dating. Although police have not confirmed whether any of these
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homicides involved online dating or mobile apps like Grindr, there were no signs of forced entry in any of the cases, a fact that suggests that the victims willingly let in their attackers. More news on page 5
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From the Editor’s Desk Last month was big! We survived Nemo and Mardi Gras, and got a vote from our House of Representatives in favor of marriage equality. Our work has already made a huge impact, and we stand poised to be the next state to win equality for same-sex couples. However, to win the big victory -- for marriage equality to become law -- the bill has to pass the Senate, and we must continue to impress upon them how important this bill is.
There are volunteer opportunities available at Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, the coalition formed to carry this bill across the finish line. Visit them at RIUnited.org. And cheer up! Spring begins this month. This is the month for the Goddess show and March Madness Gay Bingo, and RENT is playing at Ocean State Theatre. Thanks for reading Options. If you have not subscribed yet, why not do so today? It’s easy -- just visit our web site or send in the form found at the bottom of this page.
options
Rhode Island’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Newsmagazine Since 1982
MARCH 2013 q Vol. XXXI1, No. 2 Managing Director Kim Stowell editor@optionsri.org Writers Kalene Brennan, Joanne Bussiere, Devin Driscoll, Sally Ann Hay, Kerri Kanelos, Myra B. Shays, Amy Stein, Jennifer Stevens, Mikaela Vento Copy Editors Dennis Bozzi, Jessica Cinquegrana, Nate Zane, Brian Gay, Steve Kagan, Joseph Morra, Maria Phillips, Jim Seavor, Myra Shays
It is no secret that that there are wellorganized, out-of-state anti-equality groups working to influence our state senators right now.
Calendar Editor Annie Cronin-Silva calendar@optionsri.org
There’s still time to double our efforts.
Resources Editor Myra Shays mshays@verizon.net
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News Briefs Continued Photographer Wendi Kali Launches “Butch/Femme Photo Project” Photographer Wendi Kali traveled to 35 cities as part of her new “Butch/Femme Photo Project,” which she describes as an effort to archive diverse modern identity dynamics in the lesbian community. Kali says she initially set out to explore her own butch identity, discovering multiple ways in which lesbians identify. She also became aware of femme invisibility within the lesbian community and hopes her project helps put feminine lesbians in the forefront. More info can be found at wendikaliphotography.com.
MO School Dist. Faces Legal Action After Barring Student from Bringing Same-Sex Date to Prom The Southern Poverty Law Center on Thursday accused the Scott County School District in Sikeston, Mo., of discrimination after Stacy Dawson, 17, an openly gay student, found that the Scott County Central High School allowed only “traditional” couples at the prom, and that school district policy prohibited same-sex couples from attending school dances. Stacy sought the advice and advocacy of a staff member at the high school but was told the board would not alter the existing policy.
Associated Press: Don’t Call Married Gay People ‘Husband’ Or ‘Wife.’ The foremost authority on journalistic style and standards has released a memo that appears to set different standards for gay and heterosexual couples. The memo reads in part, “Generally AP uses couples or partners to describe people in civil unions or same-sex marriages.” Earlier this year, LGBT advocates criticized the AP for prohibiting use of the word “homophobia.”
Final Gay Catholic Mass Held in London After Archbishop Bans Services
DC Comics Hires Anti-Gay Author Orson Scott Card To Author Superman Digital First Petitioners are boycotting the selection of author Orson Scott Card, hired to write a story for an “Adventures of Superman” release, taking issue with the writer’s anti-gay efforts.
Feb. 17 marked the last “Soho Mass” for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Catholics at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. LGBT Catholics will be offered pastoral support, but not the opportunity to worship Jesus. the Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols said the masses were out of line with the church’s main teaching on sexuality.
Card has written publicly that he believes marriage equality would lead to the end of civilization. He’s also on the board of the National Organization for Marriage. Card was called out by journalist Donna Minkowitz as a “disgustingly outspoken homophobe” after an interview in 2000. DC Comics has long been inclusive of gay characters, featuring one of the first male kisses in 1988, and it has relaunched the character Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern from the 1940s, reimagined as an openly gay man.
“Many LGBT people find a lot of difficulty in being open and honest in Church,” said Masses Pastoral Council chair Joe Stanley. “What we offerred here was the ability, twice a month, to come and stand openly and honestly and directly before God.” The Soho Masses were agreed to in 2007.
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Marjorie L. Roblin, LISCW
Marjorie L. Roblin, LISCW Counseling & Psychotherapy Counseling & Psychotherapy Insurance Accepted Insurance Accepted • Adults/Youths • Adults/Youths • Individuals • Individuals• Couples•Couples • Families• Families • Day or Evening Sessions • Day or Evening Sessions
Empathic Empathic Experienced Experienced Effective Effective
Calendar It’s an aural feast for the women this month! If you don’t get out to a show this month, you may have to turn in your lesbian card.
March 1
(401)942-5093
(401)942-5093
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30thYear - GLBTQ 30thBryn YearMawr -- GLBTQ Founder Haverford Colleges GSA Cornell-Ithaca GA Mawr Haverford College’s GSA Founder, Bryn
Cornell - Ithaca GA
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Get Engaged!
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED • JOIN US!
www.RIUnited.org
683-8183 9 Central Street Providence options
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Luna’s Ladies Night, 9 p.m. Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+ $6 cover. Every Friday. See www.lunaspvd. com.
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TransPartners of New England, 6:308:30 p.m. The meeting location is withheld for participant privacy. Please e-mail partners@tginetwork.org for more information.
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PFLAG
Dinner & Drag with Kitty Litter, 6:30 p.m. Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. For tickets see www. stadiumtheatre. com/Event/127 or call 762-4545.
7-10 RENT at Ocean State Theatre Company, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Benefit for AIDS Care Ocean State. For more information and tickets, call 9216800 or see www. oceanstatetheatre.org.
Meet and Greet the Candidates for Emperor & Empress XXI of the Imperial Court of RI at Providence. Details to be announced. See www.icriprov.org.
8 Tret Fure, 8 p.m. LuAnn’s House Concert, Providence. Suggested donation: $20. For directions and tickets contact cserr@verizon. net. 9 In Celebration of International Women’s Day, a day of lively conversation, a performance festival, a film, a viewing of RI Clothesline Project and more. For more information, visit the Hive Archive on Facebook.
RI Pride Goddess Show, 1-6 p.m. The Fete Lounge, 103 Dike St., Providence. Acts will include Sarah Rich & Invincible We, Jess Powers, and host Cat Ganim. Catie Curtis will be the headliner. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door, and are available through w w w. fe t e m u s i c . com. Borderlands, 7-9 p.m. A peer-led support group open to transgender, transsexual, gender-variant, and intersex people and to those who are exploring whether one of these identities is a good description of their experience. Meeting location is withheld for participant privacy. Write to info@tginetwork.org for more information.
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of Greater Providence meeting, 6:45-8:45 p.m. The Met School (Justice Building), 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571.
10 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7p.m. Social and networking for gay and bisexual men 40+. Social, dinner and meeting. www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010. 15 Mary Gauthier, 8 p.m. Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River, MA. Go to www.tickets. ncfta.org for tickets. 16 GSA Coalition Leadership Conference, 9 a.m. Classical High School, 770 Westminster St., Providence. Free and open to all aged
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13-23, and supportive educators. See www.youthprideri.org for registration details, and contact Elana at elana@ youthprideri.org with any questions.
23 Cheryl Wheeler, 7:30 p.m. First Congregational Church UCC of Randolph, 1 South Main St., Randolph, MA. $20, open seating. See www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/283660 for tickets.
16 COLAGE, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. For children, youth, and adults with one or more LGBT parent. Socializing and leadership development. The Gordon School, 45 Maxfield Ave., East Providence. For more information e-mail vjutras@gmail.com.
25 Marriage Equality RI monthly community meeting, 7-9 p.m. For more information call 941-2727. 28 Cooking with Miss Kitty Litter, 5:30-8:30 p.m. RI Kitchen & Bath, 139 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick. For information, call 463-1550.
16 Becky Chace & Brian Minisce, 7:30 p.m. Sandywoods Center For The Arts, 43 Muse Way, Tiverton. For tickets go to www.brownpapertickets. com/event/313179.
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18 LGBT elder housing options, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Presentation/ discussion sponsored by SAGE/ RI and Healthcentric Advisors. For location and more information e-mail sageriinfo@gmail.com. 19 Borderlands, 7-9 p.m. See Mar. 5 listing
Borderlands, 7-9 p.m. A peer-led support group open to transgender, transsexual, gender-variant, and intersex people and to those who are exploring whether one of these identities is a good description of their experience. Meeting location is withheld for participant privacy. See info@tginetwork.org for more information.
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TransPartners of New England, 6:30-
queerbookclub@gmail.com. 21 March Madness Gay Bingo! 6-9:30 p.m. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6; Bingo starts promptly at 7. $20 to play. 18+ event.
PORTRAITS
20 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. This month: A Queer and Pleasant Danger. For more information e-mail
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JDHSPHOTOS.COM 401.624.6698 JDHSPhotos@verizon.net
JDHS  Photos options
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8:30 p.m. The meeting location is withheld for participant privacy. Please e-mail partners@tginetwork.org for more information. 3
PFLAG of Greater Providence meeting, 6:45-8:45 p.m. The Met School (Justice Building), 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571.
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Luna’s Ladies Night, 9 p.m. Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster St., Providence. Live music, DJ, special events. 21+ $6 cover. Every Friday. See www.lunaspvd.com.
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RI Pride Triple Crown Pageant. For information see www.prideri.com, or e-mail Info@prideri.com.
12 Paula Poundstone, 8 p.m. Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. For tickets see www. stadiumtheatre.com or call 762-4545.
Individual & Couples • Solution-Focused Psychotherapy Meditation Instruction • Insurance Accepted
14 RI Prime Timers, 4:30-7p.m. Social and networking for gay and bisexual men 40+. Social, dinner and meeting. www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010.
401-274-7225 | Providence lhandel@gmail.com
16 Borderlands, 7-9 p.m. See Mar. 5 listing.
CHILDREN ADOLESCENTS ADULTS
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audience.
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18 TV Land Gay Bingo! 6-9:30 p.m. Riviera Bingo Palace, 1612 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Doors open at 6; Bingo starts promptly at 7. $20 to play. 18+ event. 20
Study Skills/ Time Management
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Options Newsmagazine: Read by the Rhode Island LGBT community since 1982. options
17 Queer Book Club, 7 p.m. Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. For book selection and more information e-mail queerbookclub@gmail.com.
401.383.7647 MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED
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COLAGE, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. For children, youth, and adults with one or more LGBT parent. Socializing and leadership development. The Gordon School, 45 Maxfield Ave., East Providence. For more information e-mail vjutras@gmail.com.
25 AIDS Project RI’s “Dine Out For Life. Restaurants across Rhode Island will donate a portion of this evening’s proceeds to APRI. For more information and list of participating restaurants, e-mail Amy at amy@ aidsprojectri.org. q
Got a big event coming up? Let us know about it! Send your listing by the 10th of the month preceding to calendar@optionsri.org, and we’ll see that it gets into the next edition. q
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Lesbians on the Loose out of the closet and out on the town!
...In which our heroes Annie & Melanie find themselves at the hottest LGBT events in Rhode Island. As you can see, they take pictures, too. Look for them where you see queer people coming together!
take place. We are closer than ever before to having marriage equality in Rhode Island, so please contact your state senators and let them know you support marriage equality. A quick phone call or a brief email will let your voice be heard. It is YOUR civil rights we are fighting for!
Love… commitment… companionship… equality…. These were just a few of the words we heard as we sat in the gallery listening to the members of the House of Representatives speak one last time before they voted on marriage equality on January 24. It was exciting to be there and witness first-hand history in the making. The House overwhelmingly approved the legislation by a vote of 51-19. A tremendous flood of emotions erupted as everyone in the gallery clapped, cheered, hugged and kissed. There was a sense of pride – finally Rhode Island got it right! At last the House of Representatives was standing on the right side of history and on the side of love.
We held our monthly Options Newsmagazine distribution party at Deville’s at the end of the month. It is a fantastic way to meet new people and be involved in the community. Come to Deville’s, help Options and then stay for karaoke night! Helping the community, singing, sipping on a fabulous strawberry champagne martini made by bartenders Stacy and Lori – what’s better than that? Kitty Litter and Jacqueline DiMera stopped by to say hello when we held our party in January, as did another notable celebrity, Michele Ragussis. Ragussis was a Food Network Star, Season 8 finalist who just moved to Rhode Island. We had the opportunity to chat with her about her restaurant in Maine and how she was getting adjusted to Rhode Island. She was super-nice and down to earth, asking about some hot spots in Providence. Although her summer months will be spent tending to the restaurant, winter and spring will be spent here in little Rhody. q
Sitting there we couldn’t help thinking of all the people who have fought for this cause through the years and I wondered if they were still around. Were they sitting beside us? Will this be done in enough time for them? A marriage equality bill has been waiting to be voted on by the House since 1997. We applaud all the activists, supporters, and legislators who year after year knocked on the door of equality and wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. Watch the Options web site and Facebook page for updates on when the Senate Committee hearings will
For more information on upcoming events, check Options’ calendar and online at http://optionsri.org/calendar. If you know of any events we should be attending, please email information to calendar@optionsri.org. XO, Annie & Melanie
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RI Novelist Takes Isabelle and Holt on a Perilous Journey Kim Stowell
Jesse Thoma cannot remember a time when she was not a lesbian. She remembers finding a “tool girl” calendar in a friend’s dad’s garage when she was about eight years of age. “I was,” she recalls, “captivated.” When asked about coming out to her parents, she grinned, “My mother told me. I was 16, and she told me I was gay.”
her professional time between graduate school and work as a project manager in a clinical research lab. But when she is writing, fiction is her first love.
Writing has also been a part of who she is for as long as she can remember. Her first book, written around age six, was recently unearthed by her mother, and while studying at Smith College, Thoma wrote young adult fantasy novels. None was ever published, but she was sharpening her skills as she banged them out.
The inspiration for The Chase, however, was a real woman who got pushed into a pool and came out to reveal her tattoos through her wet shirt.
Her inspiration varies. “Sometimes,” she says, “I have an idea I want to get out.” This was true of her favorite of the fantasy novels she penned in college, which she is currently re-writing.
As of March 1, however, Jesse will be a published novelist. That’s when her new book, The Chase, is released in e-book form, with a trade paperback release slated for March 18. The story, which takes place in Rhode Island, opens with a woman being drawn to her back deck by a commotion, only to encounter buckshot being fired in her general direction while a man and woman wrestle in her swimming pool. The man eventually departs the scene, but more important is the woman, whose wet tee shirt gives away her muscled torso and numerous tattoos. Better you should read it yourself; an excerpt comes later in this piece but, according to publisher Bold Strokes Books, the story takes these two “on a perilous journey through an underworld of drugs and underhanded deals, from the Rhode Island House of Representatives to a methadone clinic.
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...Can Holt catch the assailant in time, or will her commitment to the chase leave the idea of happily ever after impossible?” Compelled to protect Isabelle by a sense of duty and an attraction neither of them expected, can Holt catch the assailant in time, or will her commitment to the chase leave the idea of happily ever after impossible?” When she is not writing, Thoma splits
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Thoma entered a competition for a new author development forum at Bold Strokes, which publishes a diverse collection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer fiction. She was accepted into the program and given access to developmental editor Vic Oldham, and the rest is history. She will attend a couple of LGBTQ book festivals this spring when the book is released, and looks forward to seeing it in print. “I’m excited,” she began. “Writing is a solitary pursuit, and so it feels a little funny that, once I publish, my work is available to others to consume and interpret. But I don’t mind input, so it will be a good thing.” Best of all, if we all decide we like her book, she has a future story in mind already. “I set things up for a sequel,” she said. “I had more of the story that I wanted to tell, so there’s kind of a cliffhanger. I like to think I left them wanting.” The Chase can be purchased at BoldStrokesBooks.com or Amazon.com q
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An excerpt from The Chase by Jesse Thoma Isabelle Rochat jumped off her couch. Whatever punk had just thrown a firecracker into her backyard was going to be sorry he ever laid eyes on her. It was Saturday. She was working. And she really hated being interrupted when she was working. Through the sliding glass door leading to the patio, she could see two individuals splashing in her pool. One, a teenage boy, was being dragged toward the pool’s edge by a brunette woman. She knew she sounded too much like her mother, but she really did have to wonder about the lack of respect people showed for each other these days. Who in their right mind would think it was okay to take a dip in a stranger’s pool? Readying herself for a showdown, she slid the door ajar and stepped out onto her back patio. “What do you think you’re—” “Get down,” the brunette yelled before Isabelle could finish her question. “Get the f*ck down! Look at your goddamned siding! Get your ass on the ground.” Isabelle saw the hooded figure appear over her fence at the same time she registered seeing the small holes littering her siding. She dropped to her stomach a split second before another explosion sounded across the quiet neighborhood, spraying deadly shot where her head had been. Squealing tires registered briefly before her mind was filled with a flash of white somewhere in her peripheral vision and the slap of wet shoes on concrete. The brunette was out of the pool and running in a crouch toward the back fence. The teenager clung to the side of the pool, making no move to pull himself out. The mystery woman stopped at the fence and listened before pull-
ing herself up to look over the six-foot high obstruction. She hung there for a moment, looking around. Isabelle was captivated by the tease of tattooed skin through the shirt as the stranger was suspended on the fence. A colorful blur spread over her tense, powerful shoulders and down her spine. Isabelle had a soft spot for ink, and despite the seriousness of the situation, she felt her body react as the tattooed intruder squelched her way back to the pool and dragged the young man out of the water by the scruff of his T-shirt. The dripping hair and tight body were something out of a movie, and Isabelle was glad the woman’s face was hot too. It would have been a huge letdown if she were ugly. Her wet white T-shirt left little to the imagination, clinging to a dark blue racer back sports bra and a lean, muscled torso that formed an almost perfect triangle from her strong shoulders to her narrow waist. “Was that one of your crew, you little punk?” Her voice was gravely and a bit rough, perfectly complementing the unrefined owner. The teenager shook his head emphatically. “Come on, H. You know that’s not how I run. I don’t know who that guy was.” His face had lost all color, and Isa-
belle wondered if he was more afraid of the gunman or the tall woman berating him and shaking him like an empty sack. “You saying none of you idiots have shotguns and ski masks?” the brunette asked angrily. “Well, I don’t think that would be an accurate assessment,” the youth admitted carefully. “But if that was one of my guys, why the hell would he be shooting at me?” The brunette’s body relaxed and she seemed to let go of her anger. Her grip on the young man’s shirt loosened and she glanced at Isabelle. “Peanut, you kill me. You’ve run me across the whole damn city, and now I’ve got myself an ethical dilemma. Get your scrawny ass out of here before I change my mind. If I find out it was one of your guys though…” “Thanks, H. Been fun runnin’ witcha today. I haven’t forgotten your offer either. Just got to think some things through.” Peanut backed away as he spoke, glancing over his shoulder for the fastest way out of the yard. When he disappeared through the gate, the impressive stranger yelled after him, “And reschedule your court date.” She pulled her cell phone out of a soaked pocket, examined it in disgust, Continued on page 26
* Edited by Options
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Common Language: On Finding Kathys’ Group Joanne Bussiere
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s a child I acquired the habit of exploring the want ads of New Hampshire’s Union Leader. I grew to like the feel of an actual newspaper. The idea that on the other side of each tiny ad existed perhaps the other side of “want,” or the idea of need. Back then I read about puppies and kittens. Forty years later my seeking has been affected by going through a few rounds of breast cancer. Recently, after a dear friend’s cancer metastasized and old feelings became new again, I felt lost, helpless. I decided to turn to the Resources section of Options – I had read once before about Kathys’ Group, a support group that serves lesbians and/or caregivers with all types of cancer and other life threatening diseases. I called the number.
I met with Dorrie to chat about the origin of this group. Kathys’ Group was founded by Dorrie and her late partner, Lorry Garvin, in 1995. They had a place in New York as well as in Rhode Island and some friends, both named Kathy, did as well. One of the Kathys was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Lorry and Dorrie offered to find a support group for lesbians here in Rhode Island. They discovered there weren’t any and, seeing this need, they decided to create one.
I left a rambling message on the answering machine, not knowing what to expect, but hoping that this group would be different from the ones I’d tried years ago when my “dis”ease was active.
Much credit also goes to Charlie McGraw and his friends from the Imperial Court of R.I. Just after Kathys’ Group was founded, he called and said he’d raise money by hosting fundraising cruises. This went on for many years. For Lorry and Dorrie, the creation of this group was also the beginning of an expanded sense of connection within our community.
Dorrie McCaffrey called me back; she does the intake for the group. We chatted a bit, and eventually the group’s facilitator called me with a time and place.
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The group is thriving today due to the support of their many friends who were there in the beginning; Dorrie and Lorry served on the board of directors and helped with administrative organization and fundraising work.
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Kathys’ Group created lecture programs to inform and educate people about lesbian needs, both medically and legally. For 17 years there have been bi-monthly support group meetings. The first five years were facilitated by Rita Good, and since 2000 by Maureen Walsh. I am certain that many women have been helped by this group. As a younger lesbian who was diagnosed in the late 90s, I could not find a group that addressed me and my needs, and Lorry and Dorrie knew this as well. The original Kathy is thriving 17 years after her diagnosis, and she got married this past May in New York when marriage became legal there. I’ve met twice with Kathys’ Group, and tapped into an instant connection and understanding. What has been passed on through these women is shared grace, humor, grief and strength. Finally the complex puzzle of feelings created in my post-cancer life began to piece together, because Kathys’ Group understands my words and I understand them. q Kathys’ Group meets monthly in Providence 888-5KATHYS
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News Briefs Continued Bill Making HIV-Positive Organs Available to People Living with HIV/AIDS for Transplantation Introduced in Senate The bipartisan HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act would permit donated, HIV-positive organs to be used for transplantation in HIV-positive patients, a medical procedure currently prohibited by federal law. A companion measure was introduced in the House. Major advances in the treatment of HIV and AIDS mean that HIV-positive individuals are living longer, and like other older Americans, they too are developing medical conditions that require organ transplant. Permitting organs from deceased, HIV-positive donors to be used has the potential to save 1,000 HIV-positive patients with liver and kidney failure each year. In addition, the waiting time for people with HIV would most certainly decrease, as would the general waiting list for those awaiting transplants.
Robbie Rogers Comes Out The decision of 25-year-old former British soccer player Robbie Rogers to come out last month has been commended by gay rights activists.
Indiana Students, Teacher Fighting For ‘Traditional’ Prom That Would Ban Gays Special Education Teacher Diana Medley is arguing in favor of an alternate prom at the high school where she works. Medley was just one of several parents, students and others who demanded that gay students be barred from attending the dance. “We want to make the public see that we love the homosexuals, but we don’t think it’s right nor should it be accepted,” said one local student. LGBT Activist Dan Savage responded by saying, “There’s no way to stop the haters … from holding an independent prom for the special bigoted kids. But here’s what we can do: we can make a noise so loud enough that all the queer kids at Sullivan High School hear it. Those kids need to know that there are people -- a lot of people -- who think this sh*t is wrong.”
Valentine to Same-Sex Couples from Illinois Illinois moved a step closer last month to becoming the 10th state to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry, as the state Senate approved legalizing gay marriage in a vote one backer described as “one for the history books.”
If you’re looking for a spiritual home where you can be yourself...
“It is time Illinois get rid of its secondclass status for a segment of our residents and allow everyone the opportunity to reap the emotional, social and economic benefits and obligations of marriage,” said state Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), the bill’s chief Senate sponsor. The subject of coming out, and homophobia in sport, has been topical of late; San Francisco Forty-Niners Player Chris Culliver, who played in the Super Bowl, said there were no gay players on his team, and if there were, they wouldn’t be welcome. He was heavily criticised and given sensitivity training. Brian Ellner of Athletes Ally, which campaigns against homophobia and transphobia in sports, told Reuters: ”Robbie Rogers demonstrated enormous courage coming out and it’s great to see the overwhelming positive response from other players around the sport.”
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But her bill was decried by a mostly unified Republican front as an affront to the Bible. “We are knocking down one of the central foundations of society with this bill,” said state Sen. Dale Bivins (R-Dixon), a “no” vote who cited poet Robert Frost and the Scriptures in pushing the bill’s defeat. “From the Old Testament to the New, there’s nothing that supports same-sex marriage,” he said. Steans’ legislation passed the Senate 34-21 vote, with two present votes, and now moves to the House.
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tgi network of rhode island education • advocacy • support
for transgender • intersex gender-variant • transsexual genderqueer • people and those who love them Please email info@tginetwork.org for more information.
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Celebrating 50 Years! Who Belongs at PFLAG? Myra B. Shays
ll a H Town
LANES
Home of Big Gay Al’s Bowling League 1463 Atwood Ave. Johnston • 831-6940
Bell Street Chapel A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
A vibrant, accepting, liberal Religious community, we Celebrate diverse beliefs, support individual searches for trust and meaning, and work for social justice. We are a Welcoming Congregation, and we would love to welcome you. Join us. Worship service Sundays at 10 a.m.
Some LGBT people attend our monthly meetings because they’ve heard of the great good PFLAG does and want to support it. Some come with one or more family members, to make the family more comfortable the first few times they attend. But most of the LGBT people who attend seek help in coming out. A closeted person will relax when he or she finds friendly, accepting parents in the room. And what these seekers say during support time is invaluable to the parents, who can gain insight into what their own children are thinking and feeling during the coming-out process. And the meetings -- what are they like? Except for the one hour every other month when there is a guest speaker, the attendees are the program. The leader of the meeting reads the simple statement of purpose, conducts a round-robin introduction, then asks if anyone has a matter of concern.
All Families Welcome 5 Bell Street, Providence (401) 273-5678 www.bellstreetchapel.org options
If Options Newsmagazine is for LGBT people, how come it runs articles about Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)? The answer is simple: Regardless of the name of the organization, LGBT people are a vital part of PFLAG. Our mission is to help parents understand and accept their LGBT children; to help those children understand and come out into the embrace of their families; and to help society understand and accept people of every sexual orientation and gender identity.
children have recently told them they are LGBT. Some parents are reeling from the blow; some seem calm; some are angry; all have questions. So the members answer from their own experience, relating parts of their own journeys to acceptance. The LGBT people speak from their points of view -- what it was like when they came out, and how much more real and honest it made their relationships with their parents. Others tell how they may have tried unsuccessfully to achieve that openness with family and co-workers. No one is made to feel he or she must speak. There is value in quiet listening. And no one who speaks is expected to disclose more than he or she cares to. Still, in the warm, non-judgmental atmosphere, many find they can put troubling thoughts and fears into words for the first time, and receive reassurance, guidance and just plain facts. But this is no grim, frowning assemblage. Nor is it group therapy, nor a class or a workshop. Smiles are everywhere, conversation bubbles, information is shared, concern for one another is obvious. Some questions raised in recent meetings were: TT
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Often there are parents present whose
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Could homosexuality be just a phase my son/daughter is going through? Does coming out consist simply of an announcement and a response?
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How come he decided to be gay after a ten-year marriage?
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I’m a 37-year-old lesbian. My father is quite ill. How can I come out to my parents? How can I not?
MICHELE D. PALIOTTA, LICSW 120 WAYLAND AVENUE, SUITE 6 PROVIDENCE, RI 02906
The remarkable thing is that, though unstructured, each meeting has its own built-in rhythm -- a pace that builds during the first hour, is enhanced by side conversations during the refreshment break and culminates at the end of the next hour with the palpable feeling that everyone -- from newcomers to veterans -- has learned and gained.
COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
in the warm, non-judgmental atmosphere, many find they can put troubling thoughts and fears into words for the first time, and receive reassurance, guidance and just plain facts.
263 Wickenden Street • Providence • 401-421-4770
PFLAG does not endorse or oppose anything not related to LGBT issues. We are not for, against or part of any religious or political group. Our purpose is to love and support our children; to help LGBT people achieve honest, caring relationships with their families; and to assure human rights for all.
Know your status.
Each chapter is self-starting, self-sustaining, and part of a network of about 300 chapters that maintain a national office in Washington, D.C. Ours is the only chapter in Rhode Island and also serves Southeastern Massachusetts. We are funded by the modest dues of those who enroll, and contributions. The appreciation and affection that the Greater Providence chapter has for its LGBT members can be seen in the fact that they serve on our Board; a gay man edits our newsletter, and a lesbian and a gay man designed our brochure. If you would like to see what PFLAG has to offer, please do come to one of our monthly meetings at the MET School, or visit us at the annual PrideFest. q PFLAG/Greater Providence www.pflagprovidence.org 751-7571
(401)935-4094
Adults, Adolescents, Families
GREGORY’S OPTICAL Face A Face L.A. Eyeworks Silhouette Olivier Peoples Alain Mikli Theo La Font
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat. 10-4 Closed Sunday
Call AIDS Care Ocean State’s Prevention Office at 401-781-0665 to schedule an appointment for FREE anonymous and confidential HIV and HEP C testing.
Meets first Wednesday of each month, year-round
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Newport Met School’s GLOW Group Gets Busy Mikaela Vento
The East Bay Met High School is located in Newport, and has quite a different structure from traditional high schools. They believe in “Real World Learning” and learning through your interests and passions. A student who had a passion for protecting LGBTQ students from bullying and harassment started the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance a few years ago, taking advantage of the opportunity The Met allowed her to create a student-run group. Called GLOW, which stands for GayLesbian or Whatever, the group is becoming more and more active each year. GLOW participated in the NOH8 Campaign photo shoot last year and marched in the 2012 Pride Parade, as well as organizing in-school activities like creating edible “genderbread people.” Early in November they organized
and hosted a cross-dress dance for East Bay Met students, took students to testify at the State House in support of marriage equality, took a trip to Times Square, New York to counter-protest the Westboro Baptist Church, and had a guest speaker from AIDS Care Ocean State come in to do an education workshop in January. You may think, “Well, what are they working on now?” The answer is this: “Instead of getting the members out into the world, we want to get the world into the class room.” GLOW is always looking for guest speakers to educate them on LGBTQrelated topics. The group is also starting to put together the logistics to put on their first fundraiser, which hopefully will be a drag king/queen show.
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If you’d like to visit GLOW as a guest speaker or offer some education about an LGBTQ topic, email GLOW’s President Mikaela Vento at mikaela.vento@metmail. org. You can also find them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EastBayMetGlow. q Editor’s Note: What is your GSA up to? We’d like to hear about it. Write to editor@ optionsri.org
Photos: On facing page: the NOH8 photo shoot (May 2012) Below: Pride Parade (June 2012), At right: Marriage Equality hearing @ State House.
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RI Pride
Approximately one in five people living with HIV in the United States does not even know that they are infected.
The 37th Annual RI Pride season is upon us! It starts each year with the Goddess Show - a concert planned especially for the ladies that will feature headliner Catie Curtis as well as many local talents. Check it out Sunday, March 3, from 1 - 6 p.m. at Fète Music located at 103 Dike Street in Providence. Wondering who will earn the title of Mr. Gay, Ms. Lesbian, and Miss Gay 2013? See the competition and crowning Sunday, April 7, at the Triple Crown Pageant.
AIDS Project Rhode Island Needs Restaurants & Volunteers to sign up for Dining Out For Life®
Visit Pride’s website for more info and to find PrideFest 2013 applications for organizational and retail vendors, food vendors, entertainers, parade participants, Pride Guide ads and most importantly, SPONSORSHIPS!
contact amy@aidsprojectri.org for more information.
There’s a lot of excitement in the air around the possibility of winning full marriage rights this year, and if we win you can imagine what a celebration PrideFest will be! Whether you donate, volunteer or pay admission to our events, please find a way to support RI Pride during this busy and budget-constrained season. Thank you! q
Rhode Island Pride 1005 Main St. #1005 Pawtucket www.prideri.com 467-2130
For the past 29 years We’ve been handing our Clients The same old Line …
“SOLD” Barrington • CumBerland • east greenwiCh • narragansett • ProvidenCe • reloCation 401.245.9600 • 401.333.9333 •
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SAGE/RI
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders Sally Ann Hay
by contacting us at sageriinfo@gmail.com or on Facebook at SAGE/Rhode Island.
Let’s Talk: LGBT Elder Housing Options Have you thought about where and how you want to live as you get older? Are you hoping to “age in place” (i.e., in your own home)? Dreaming of an LGBT retirement community? How about shared housing? What other possibilities might interest you? If you joined us for our February movie night, you saw one intriguing retirement possibility. But if you are interested in options that are closer to home than the warm climes of India, you will want to join us on Monday, March 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for a conversation about LGBT elder housing options in Rhode Island. Melissa Miranda, a senior program administrator at Healthcentric Advisors, will help set the stage for our discussion by sharing her research on the topic, and then we’ll open things up to hear what you are thinking about. This event is free (although we always gladly accept donations) and will be hosted by the good folks at Healthcentric Advisors (235 Promenade St., 5th Floor, Providence). Lunch will be provided. Please note: You must reserve a spot for this event in advance
There are few (if any) LGBT elder housing programs in Rhode Island – it is time to get this discussion started.
air but we sure do hope you don’t miss the chance to hear us speaking up and about the challenges unique to our community. We’re also in the process of planning a collaborative event with RI’s Department of Elderly Affairs and the regional office of CMS (the people who bring you Medicare and Medicaid) that will be designed specifically to offer information to RI’s LGBT elders. We don’t know if such a targeted event has occurred before in our state, and we’re looking forward to helping make it happen. The event will likely occur in June, so keep in touch for more details.
Is it Spring Yet? It’s been a busy winter! Stay Tuned… WRNI reporter Bradley Campbell contacted us to discuss a piece – maybe a series – on LGBT elders in RI. Several of our members volunteered to be interviewed; he also spoke with members of SAGE/RI’s leadership team. As this issue of Options goes to press, we don’t know when the piece(s) will
On the education and advocacy front, we’re pleased to let you know that our January conference for social workers (Visible Lives: Psychosocial Aspects of LGBT Aging) was very well attended and received great reviews. Going forward, we are finalizing plans for two “Lunch and Learn” sessions for Lifespan nurses, and we have several other exciting opportunities emerging. On the social front…by the time you read
Elizabeth A. Coderre, LMHC Board Certified Diplomate in Professional Counseling
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TAKE CHARGE! GET TESTED!
this, we will have hosted our February movie night (did you guess the title ahead of time?) and we will be making plans for April. Another movie? Dining Out for Life (in support of AIDS Project RI)? Decisions, decisions…
Join Us!
Join us on Monday, March 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for a conversation about LGBT elder housing options in Rhode Island.
Are you a member of SAGE/RI yet? No time like the present! We welcome people of all ages: if you aren’t an LGBT elder yet, we hope you will be some time in the future. Our annual dues are low, and the rewards are high. Support us in our mission “to lead in addressing issues related to LGBT aging. In partnership with constituents and allies, SAGE works to achieve
FREE, painless, rapid, anonymous HIV testing. Now offering individual and couples testing.
Visit: www.aidsprojectri.org
takecharge@aidsprojectri.org Call: (401) 207-8377
a high quality of life for LGBT older adults, supports and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promotes positive images of LGBT life in later years.” Pick up an application at one of our events or contact us by email or on Facebook and we will happily send you one. SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) addresses issues of concern to LGBT elders and is an organization of diverse people of all ages. For information on programs or to join SAGE/RI, drop us a line at sageriinfo@gmail.com or find us on Facebook as SAGE/Rhode Island. q
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Youth Pride Inc. Kerri Kanelos
download the application.
GSA Coalition Leadership Conference YPI’s eighth annual Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) Coalition Leadership Conference will be held on March 16 at Classical High School, located at 770 Westminster Street in Providence. Each year we hold this daylong conference to offer networking opportunities, leadership training, and educational workshops to local and regional LGBTQ youth and their allies. The conference is free and open to youth between the ages of 13 and 23, and to supportive educators. Registration is available on our website: www.youthprideri.org.
Lipsky/Whittaker Scholarship Available Soon Applications will be available soon for YPI’s Lipsky/Whittaker Scholarship— a fund that supports Rhode Island youth who are involved in activism within the LGBTQ community. Please visit our website to
Wish List for Lending Library Did you know that Youth Pride Inc. has a lending library with a variety of books for LGBTQQ youth? Thanks to many donors over the years, we have an extensive collection of books. However, we would love to add some more modern titles to the library. Many of the youth we serve report that they do not have access to LGBTQ literature at school, home, or in their communities. Please visit our new Amazon wish list (http://amzn.com/ w/24IUF4T2G3E96) and consider purchasing a book or two for the collection. Thank you! q
Please Join Us as a
Volunteer • Advertiser Writer We Want to Meet You. 724-LGBT • info@optionsri.org
Youth Pride Inc. 743 Westminster St., Providence 421-5626 www.youthprideri.org
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AIDS Community Watch
Dine Out For Life! Amy Stein DINE OUT to support AIDS Project Rhode Island’s (APRI) Dining Out For Life® Event – April 25 Please mark your calendars for Thursday, April 25, to dine out in support of APRI’s Dining Out for Life® Fundraiser. This year we expect over 30 participating restaurants in Rhode Island to join us in supporting efforts to prevent HIV and provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS. These restaurants generously donate a portion of their proceeds to APRI from the night of the event. Our goal is to get as many restaurants on board as possible, and get them filled with diners the evening of the event. Here are ways you can contribute to make this the best Dining Out for Life® event ever: 1) If you or somebody you know has a connection with any Rhode Island restaurant, please let us know. We will work with you to reach out to the restaurant to invite them join us. 2) Become liaison between APRI and one of our restaurants and their guests. 3) Go out to eat at one of our participating restaurants on April 25 and bring your friends and family.
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To learn more, contact Amy Stein at amy@aidsprojectri.org. Check out our website (www.aidsprojectri.org) to learn about Dining Out for Life® as well as the services it supports.
RENT! Kalene Brennan AIDS Care Ocean State and the Ocean State Theatre Company are teaming up for a fundraising weekend for their production of RENT. Jonathan Larson’s ground-breaking musical won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical. Running for 12 years on Broadway, RENT tells the story of a year in the life of a diverse group of friends and artists struggling to live in New York. It is a story of hopes and dreams, friendship and loss amid the chaos of HIV/AIDS in their community. If you purchase tickets for any shows between March 7 and 10, you will be supporting Rhode Island’s largest AIDS organization, AIDS Care Ocean State. Ocean State Theatre Company is most famous for their productions at Matunuck’s Theatre-By-the-Sea from 2007 to 2012. They now have a brand new state-of-the-art the-
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atre at 1245 Jefferson Blvd. in Warwick. So purchase your tickets for any show March 7 through 10. Ticket prices start as low as $39.00. It’s that easy to help raise money for ACOS and to see a fantastic production of RENT! To order tickets call Ocean State Theatre Company box office: 921-6800 or visit www. oceanstatetheatre.org.
ACOS Speakers Bureau The ACOS Speakers Bureau is now booking speaking engagements. The bureau consists of local HIV-positive men and women trained specifically to speak publicly and provide education and prevention information about the disease to groups in Rhode Island. In addition to the topics of prevention and education, ACOS speakers talk about life challenges they and others face while living with the virus. Also, they discuss how they coped with learning about their HIV+ status, the changes they made in their lives as a result, and the obstacles they have faced (and continue to face) as HIV+ people. The Speakers Bureau is an engaging and highly effective way to discuss within a comfortable environment the topic of HIV and AIDS with a group who may be unaware or uneducated about the disease’s causes and consequences. Our speakers are available for engagements at local schools, colleges, support
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groups, health fairs and any other public venue that is appropriate. To book a speaker, please contact Stephen Hartley at 5213603 or stephenh@aidscareos.org.
infected with HIV/AIDS; 91% of HIV/ AIDS cases are between the ages of 30 and 50+ years of age; 73% of persons living with HIV/AIDS are male, and 21% of persons living with HIV/AIDS are heterosexual.
Cooking with Kitty Litter
Guests invited to the conference include regional representatives of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the RI Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Participants will be eligible to receive professional development credits.
Join ACOS and RI Kitchen & Bath on Thursday, March 28 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., for Cooking with Kitty Litter! The Hostess with the Mostess will be doing a fun cooking demonstration followed by a cocktail demonstration by The Stables’ Michael Slade at RI Kitchen & Bath in Warwick. We’ll also be serving up cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, so we hope you’ll join us. Tickets are only $20.00 and can be purchased in advance at www.aidscareos.org.
ACOS is pleased to announce the agency’s first all-day professional development housing conference
ACOS Announces Pathways to Healthy Housing Conference
For conference details and registration, visit www.aidscareos. org or call 521-3603.
AIDS Care Ocean State 557 Broad St., Providence 521-3603 www.aidscareos.org q
Plumbing by Paul “We do it right in your home.”
April 2, Providence Biltmore Hotel ACOS is pleased to announce the agency’s first all-day professional development housing conference scheduled for Tuesday, April 2 at the Providence Biltmore Hotel. The conference will target housing, construction, design and social service professionals serving those with HIV/AIDS in the Greater Rhode Island area, including Southeastern Massachusetts.
New . Old . Big . Small . We Do It . Right .
225-0561 Licensed, Insured, Guaranteed, Honest, Clean
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The conference will focus on the challenges facing professionals responding to the housing needs of those living with and caring for individuals with HIV/AIDS. According to Paul Fitzgerald, CEO of ACOS, “By bringing everyone together, conference participants will have access to resources, funding, networking opportunities and most importantly the tools to plan for future.”
Read by LGBTQ Rhode Islanders since 1982 Have you made a contribution recently?
According to the ACOS website, more than 3,000 persons in Rhode Island are
P.O. Box 6406 • Providence, RI 02940
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The Imperial Court of Rhode Island at Providence You’re Invited The Imperial Court of Rhode Island at Providence invites you to meet the candidates for Emperor and Empress XXI on Saturday, March 2. Hosted by Regent Emperor XX Michael Sousa, the event will be held at Saki’s Pizza, 199 Weybosset Street, 2nd floor, Providence from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. $5 Donation, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar. Proceeds will benefit the Imperial Court of Rhode Island’s Coronation XXI. Drag dress is optional but encouraged. The Imperial Court of Rhode Island at Providence P.O. Box 6583 Providence, RI 02904 www.icriprov.org Photos from the 90th birthday Jubilee for honored guest Jose the Widow Norton. Jose is a World War II Veteran, the first openly gay candidate for public office in the United States and the Founder of the International Court System.
Welcoming LGBT professionals and their friends
A membership organization focused on: • Shared Member Contact Information • Professional Networking • Philanthropic Causes • Member benefits n e t w o r k
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For more information please contact Frank Maher at (401) 453-9276, visit RI AGP on Facebook or by email at gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com.
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Rhode Islanders United for Marriage Devin Driscoll
Also: Star Over the Luna Pet sitting www.starovertheluna.com
Get Engaged! We’re closer than ever to winning marriage for same-sex couples in Rhode Island. After a huge victory in the RI House of Representatives in January, our biggest challenge lies ahead as we work to win support in the RI Senate. We feel confident that we can win, and we’re mounting the largest grassroots campaign in support of marriage equality in the state’s history in order to make it happen. RI United for Marriage has launched an exciting program of volunteer opportunities. We’re focused on reaching out to supporters in key districts around the state and asking them to contact their senators. Already this year, we’ve filled more than 200 volunteer shifts. As a result, we’ve put more than 1,000 supporters of marriage equality in direct phone contact with their legislators, knocked on hundreds of doors and organized dozens of meetings between constituents and legislators. Our work has already made a huge impact, but to win marriage equality in Rhode Island we need your help. There are volunteer opportunities available for everyone and every schedule. Join a phone bank at our new Providence Headquarters at 9 Central Street (near Central High School off Broad Street) weeknights from Monday to Thursday. Join a door-to-door canvass every Saturday morning, or help with data entry in our office any weekday. At every action, you’ll be provided with full training and support. If you live outside of Providence, there are also opportunities to become a leader in one of our district teams around the state, working in your own community to build and demonstrate support for marriage. Teams are active in Coventry, East Providence, Warwick, Northwestern R.I., Pawtucket, South County and Aquidneck Island. For more information about how to get involved, visit our website: RIUnited.org or call Field Director Amy Mello at 683-8183. q
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and dropped it back into her jeans. “Damn it, I hate getting f*cking shot at.” Seeming to remember she wasn’t alone, she jogged over to Isabelle, who was still flat on the ground, her elbows propping her up. “Are you okay? Did you get hit?”
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Isabelle looked up into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. They were soft with concern, but she imagined they could be cold as steel when anger flashed through them. The blue stood out all the more because of the chin length dark hair framing the intruder’s perfect face. From a distance, it had looked angled and androgynous, but up close, the features were refined, almost delicate. Isabelle had been correct in her snap judgment. The woman was gorgeous.
hell of a wrath. “What the hell were you doing in my pool?” Holt’s attention snapped back to Isabelle. Given that Holt was now thoroughly taking in every part of her, head to toe, Isabelle wasn’t sure Holt had really looked at her before. Holt’s intense stare seemed to pause longest on Isabelle’s blond hair and she noticed Holt took her time tracing the line of her curvy torso. It was very disconcerting and a bit of a turn-on.
The mystery woman stopped at the fence and listened before pulling herself up to look over the six-foot high obstruction. She hung there for a moment, looking around. Isabelle was captivated by the tease of tattooed skin through the shirt as the stranger was suspended on the fence.
“What? Oh, no. I’m fine, thanks to you. Just a little shaken up. Is it safe to get up?” Isabelle hated how small her voice sounded. She didn’t like being out of control. The woman pulled her to her feet with an ease that gave proof to the muscled outline beneath her wet T-shirt. “Yeah, I think it’s safe. Bad guy’s long gone. I’m Holt Lasher. Sorry about the excitement.” Her eyes were still soft, but she continued looking around cautiously, probably scanning for danger. “Isabelle Rochat.” As some of her fear receded, Isabelle remembered she was pissed. Getting shot at hadn’t helped. Neither had being turned on by an indistinguishable back tattoo. The gunman wasn’t there to receive her wrath, which left the woman who was dripping water all over her deck. And anger, fear, and adrenaline, combined with soaring hormones, made it one
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Isabelle studied her uninvited guest, who was now rolling her eyes and pinching the skin between her temples, looking like she was resisting the urge to slap herself in the forehead. Isabelle wondered if the woman was always this impulsive. Holt Lasher—a name Isabelle suspected was a heap of crap, as it sounded like it belonged to a superhero, thus, annoyingly, making it a tiny bit sexy—had started rocking back and forth from foot to foot almost imperceptibly. If it was a nervous habit, Isabelle thought it gave her a bit of vulnerability she hadn’t shown when dragging the kid from the pool. The change in her gaze was disconcerting. Her blue eyes had gone from light and distant to focused and dark gray. Isabelle knew that look. It was probably the same one she was sending back. Some stranger was looking at her with sex eyes on her back deck, and there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about her response. Already, her pulse was racing in parts farther south than was polite on a first meeting. She briefly contemplated asking Holt inside and insisting she get out of her wet things. All of them. The soft ping from her computer reminded her she had work to do. Afternoon sex with a stranger would have to wait for another day. q
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Classified Advertising
Resources Help us help you: If you come across a resource listing that is incorrect or needs updating, please let us know! Drop a line to mshays@verizon.net. NOTE: All phone numbers are in the 401 area code unless otherwise indicated.
Got an apartment to rent? Condo to sell? Looking for a housemate? Send us 30 words and a check for $30, and we’ll publish it in the very next issue. Send ad to advertising@optionsri.org, and payment to P.O. Box 6406, Providence, RI 02940 • housing ads only • PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA
Addiction Support Groups AA: Brothers in Sobriety, Community Church of Prov., Wayland & Lloyd Aves., Prov., 751-9328; Sat., 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Central Services, info on all groups, 438-8860; Lesbian and Gay, Anchor Recovery Center, 249 Main St., Pawtucket, Tues. 7:30 p.m.; Suburban Gay & Lesbian, Fatima Shrine, Rt. 126, Holliston, MA, Thurs. 8-9:30 p.m. Alcohol/Drug Helpline. RI Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, 24-hr., (866) 252-3784.
A private, romantic cottage, ideal for a couple. Enjoy our 11-acre waterfront property in one of Prince Edward Island’s most spectacular locations on the North Shore. Weekly $1000. Non-smokers please. anne2817@cox.net.
Gay Al-Anon: Tues. 7:30 p.m., Congregational Church, 71 Park Place, Pawtucket, 726-2800.
AIDS/Health Resources Afia Center for Health & Wholeness: socializing with other HIV+ individuals. Meals, food pantry, HIV support groups, recovery groups, recreational and social activities. Wed & Thurs, noon to 4 p.m., at Matthewson St. Church, 134 Matthewson St., Prov. Sponsored by AIDS Project RI; free to clients. Gordon Cooper, 331-1350 Ext. 3268 or coopergo@familyserviceofri.org.
ARE YOU ON OUR RESOURCES PAGES?
AIDS Action Hotline: (800) 235-2331, MA only.
Is your service, organization, or house of worship listed in this section of Options? Please review your listing now. Is it accurate? Kindly let us know of any necessary changes by emailing mshays@verizon.net.
AIDS Care Ocean State (557 Broad St., Providence): case mgmt., emergency funds, mental health & nutrition support, FACTS Nursery, housing for PWAs, referrals, advocacy, ADa.m.S Clinic for adolescents, street outreach, ENCORE, education, HIV+ support groups. Sunrise Community Housing for people with HIV/AIDS. 18 Parkis Ave., Prov. 02907. 521-3603; www.aidscareos.org. AIDS Project RI Division of Family Service of RI: Case mgmt., buddies, COBRA & dental services, emergency fund, mental health counseling, nutrition support, assessment & referral, wellness prog., advocacy, strength training. Prevention Ed. 404 Wickenden St., Providence: 831-5522.
We can serve our readers best when our listings are up to date.
AIDS Quilt RI: Displays local AIDS Memorial Quilt panels; panel-making programs, including Anna’s Workshop, HIV/AIDS education for young people; PO Box 2591, Newport, RI 02840; 4344880; www.aidsquiltri.org; admin@aidsquiltri. org; annasworkshop@aidsquiltri.org.
Thank you.
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Brown Univ. AIDS Program (BRUNAP): clinical trials, public policy, research; lectures/conferences, patient/community education. Bradford Briggs, 863-6790. brunap@brown.edu; www.brown. edu/brunap.
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Chiropractic Services: Free for unemployed HIV+ patients, Ronald P. Marsh, DC., 11 King Charles Dr., Portsmouth, RI; 683-1941. Comprehensive Community Action Programs (CCAP) Medical, mental health, dental, social services. 311 Doric Ave., Cranston. 467-9610. Also Coventry and Warwick. Sarah Bowman, LGBT Outreach. Crossroads RI Health Care Services: Free, confidential, anonymous HIV counseling & testing for homeless/at risk: Mon & Wed, 1-3 p.m., call Gloria, 521-2255, Ext. 325. FACTS (Family AIDS Center for Treatment & Support): See AIDS Care Ocean State. Gabriel Care, LLC: Nursing/social worker case mgmt. & financial compensation for assistance and supervision for those living with HIV. MA Health funded for MA residents. Michael (508) 678-1002. HIV antibody testing, Anonymous: R.I. Dept. of Health, Prov., Newport and other locations, Free or sliding scale, call 222-2320. Home and Hospice Care of RI: Medical care mgmt. for HIV/AIDS. 24-hr. nursing staff for treatment. 782-0725. Bereavement Groups: John Charette, 727-7079. HPV study for gay/bi men ages 18 -- 26. Receive free HPV vaccine and HIV testing. Must be HIVnegative. Call Gail at Miriam Hospital (7934335) or Email gyates@lifespan.org. House of Compassion: HIV/AIDS housing. 2510 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. 658-3992. Jewish AIDS Task Force: Programs for HIV/AIDS and Jewish communities. 421-4111, ext. 172. LGBT Caregiver Online Support Group for LGBTs caring for someone with chronic health problems, visit www.caregiver.org and click on groups. Luis E. Martinez House CHS, Inc.: Supportive, permanent housing for 10 adults living with HIV/ AIDS and/or substance abuse. New Bedford, MA. Contact Joe Taylor (508) 984-7514. Partners in Learning About AIDS (PL-AIDS) Outreach to minorities, women of color, and LGBT community at clubs and other locations, and our No. Providence office, providing free condoms and information about STIs and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. www.plaidsproject.org or www.pl-aids.org. Email info@plaidsproject.org. 305-3993. Project ACT: Free Anonymous HIV Counseling and Testing. Walk-in Hours: Mondays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Other hours by appointment only. 1 Washington St., Taunton, MA (508) 977-8146
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Project Empower: Wellness prog. for gay, bi, questioning men in So. Coast MA. Info on HIV/ STD test sites & safe sex; social/support groups, therapists & health care referrals; & more. Community Counseling of Bristol Co., MA. (508) 828-6692 or www.projectempower.com.
T.W.I.S.T. Program Coffee Night: Coffee, light snacks served every Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. 1287 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. 508-672-0378.
SSTAR (Stanley St. Treatment & Resources): counseling, drug treatment, detox, domestic violence programs; Free, confidential HIV, HEP C (HCV) & STD testing, education, case mgmt. and support. 386 Stanley St., Fall River, MA 02720. (508) 679-5222. Project Aware (HIV/ HCV) (800) 937-3610, Family Healthcare center (508) 675-1054; www.sstar.org.
Information/Education
Tranquil Mind & Wellness: Counseling, alternative healing, yoga, Pilates, meditation and more. 105 Charles Eldridge Dr, Lakeville, MA. (508) 9471683. Thundermist Health Assoc.: 450 Clinton St. Woonsocket, provides HIV/AIDS services including: medical care & treatment by an HIV specialist, dental care, behavioral health counseling, nutritional assessment & counseling, pharmacy consultation, free, confidential HIV testing. Philip Kane 767-4100 Ext. 3516.
Union: 200 Union St. Prov. 831-5366. Video lounge, live entertainment. Sun. 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Mon.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
Feminist Voices: women’s chorus. www.feministvoices.com. Fenway Gay and Lesbian Helpline: support, info & referrals for GLBT community from Fenway Community Health Ctr., Boston; (617) 267-9001 or 888-340-4528, 6-11 p.m. seven days a week. GLBT National Help Center Hotline. Local resources nationwide provided by social services agency. 888-843-4564. www.GLBTNationalHelpcenter.org. NewportOut.com: LGBT Web site for Newport, RI. RILGBT-NEWS: Low-volume email distribution list for LGBT & AIDS news from RI. Not a discussion list. To subscribe: tinawood@cox.net.
Be There and Be Queer!
United Way of RI Referral Line: 2-1-1 The Alley Cat/Dark Lady: 17 Snow St. Prov. 2730951 Downtown neighborhood bars. Sun.-Thur. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 3 p.m.-2 a.m. http:// thealleycat.net. Bobby’s Place, 62 Weir St., Taunton, MA (508) 8249997. Dancing, pool, video lounge, karaoke. Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m.- 1 a.m.; Fri. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.-1 a.m. www.BobbysPlaceMA.com. Brooklyn Coffee Tea House: 209 Douglas Ave., Prov. 575-2284. Special events space. Open mike First & Third Sat. of each month. Film screenings and other public/private events. See us on Facebook and at www.BrooklynCoffeeTeaHouse.com. Club Body Center: 257 Weybosset St., Prov. 2740298 www.clubbodycenter.com. Gay men’s sauna. Membership required. One-day pass available. Open 24 hours daily. Club Gallery, 681 Valley Street., Providence. DJ, dancing. Deville’s: 345 South Water St., Prov. Lesbian, gay, straight, it’s all good. 383-8883, www.devillescafe.com. Luna’s Ladies Night, Fridays 8 p.m. -- 1a.m. Female performers and DJs. 276 Westminster St., Providence. www.lunaspvd.com. Providence Eagle: 198 Union St., Prov. 421-1447. Leather, Levi, bear cruise bar. Sun-Thurs 3 p.m.1 a.m., Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Mega-Plex and Hush Providence: 257 Allens Ave., Prov. www.themega-plex.com. Gay men’s bathhouse. Open 24 hours daily. Membership required. One day pass available. The Stable: 125 Washington St., Prov. 272-6950. Newly renovated downtown bar. Pool table. Sun - Thurs noon - 1 a.m.; Fri - Sat noon - 2 a.m. Tommy’s Lounge Gay/Lesbian Night each Friday (21-plus) Doors open 8 p.m. Music from 80’s, 90’s and today’s hits on the video screen. $5.00
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for queer people of color located at Brown University. Contact the Brown Queer Alliance, 8633062.
cover. 99 India Street, Pawtucket RI 02860
Youth Pride, Inc. HIV Peer Educators: discussion, games, thought-provoking and empowerment activities. Led by trained youth educators. Free. 421-5626.
Rhode Islanders United for Marriage: Broadbased grassroots coalition working to achieve the unique protections and recognition of civil marriage for all loving couples in the state. 2741323. Office 3 Center St., Providence. (PO Box 5883, Providence RI 02903) www.RIUnitedforMarriage.org. RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias: hate crime awareness training program www.hatecrimeri. org. RI Human Rights Commission: Anti-discrimination law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in employment, housing, public accommodations and credit, 180 Westminster St., 3rd floor Prov. Phone: 222-2662. Fax: 222-2616, TDD: 2222664. RI Patient Advocacy Coalition: legalization of marijuana use for medical purposes. www.RIpatients.org. RI Socialist Action: adgagneri@gmail.com. 9525385. Español: walsil@cox.net. 351-3414 Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Assisting active duty service members affected by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. PO Box 65301, Wash., DC, 20035; (202) 328-3244, ext. 100, sldn@sldn.org, www.sldn.org. Straight But Not Narrow Coalition: Straight support for LGBT, PO Box 2591, Newport, RI 02840; 847-7637.
Religious Resources
Political & Legal Groups American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): 831-7171; 128 Dorrance St., Suite 220, Prov., RI 02903. Amnesty International OUTfront: Program to campaign globally for LGBTIQ human rights. Cvohs18904@yahoo.com or 212-807-8400. Visit www.amnestyusa.org/Our Issues/LGBT Human Rights. BIGFLAG (Boston Immigration Group for Lesbians And Gays): social/support for LGBTs affected by immigration discrimination. (617) 499-9433. Brown University Queer Alliance: student advocacy and support organization. 683-3062. Email: queer@brown.edu Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): LGBT/HIV legal info hotline, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekdays, (800) 455-GLAD. www.GLAD.org; 30 Winter St., Ste 800, Boston, MA 02108. Green Party of RI: PO Box 1151, Prov., RI 02901; 490-7602. Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund: 120 Wall St., Suite 1500, NY, NY 10005; (212) 8098585, Fax: (212) 809-0055. Lawyers for Equality and Diversity (LEAD): Advocates for lgbt causes. lawyersforequality@gmail. com Marriage Equality RI (MERI): Works for equal access to marriage for all. www.marriageequalityri. org or call 941-2727. 118 No. Main St., Unit 3, Providence RI 02903. PO Box 5884, Providence RI 02903 The Next Thing (TNT): political and support group
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All Saints’ Memorial Church, 674 Westminster St., Providence. 751-1747 www.allsaintsmemorial. org. asmcri@verizon.net Amicable Congregational Church (UCC), 3736 Main Rd., Tiverton. Open & Affirming. Sunday worship 10:00 a.m. Pastor William Sterrett, 624-4611. Email amicablechurch@aol.com Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, email: mail@WABaptists.org. Barrington Congregational Church (UCC) “the white church”, 461 Old County Rd., Barrington. 246-0111.www.bccucc.org Bell Street Chapel (Unitarian Universalist), A Welcoming congregation: 5 Bell St., Prov., Rev. Ann Willever. 273-5678, www.bellstreetchapel.org. Beneficent Congregational Church (UCC), in the heart of Providence at 300 Weybosset St. An Open & Affirming congregation since 2001. Visit us Sundays at 10 a.m. or on the Web at www.beneficentchurch.org. Co-Pastors Todd & Nicole Yonkman, 331-9844. Calvary Episcopal Church, Open and welcoming. 158 Broad St., Burrilville, RI. 568-3888. www. calvaryepiscopal.us.email, calvary125@aol.com. Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown, 200 Turner Rd., Middletown, RI 02842. 8476181. Ask Amy about LGBTQ Early Dementia support group. Central Congregational Church (UCC), where we believe God is still speaking. Services Sunday, 10:30 a.m. An Opening & Affirming Congregation. 296 Angell St., East Side of Providence.
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331-1960. www.centralchurch.us. Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist, A Welcoming Congregation, 135 Pelham St., Newport. Call 846-0643 or visit www.channingchurch.org. Charter Oak Grove ADF, an open and welcoming congregation of neopagan druids in CT. www. charteroakadf.org. Email charteroakadf@gmail. com. Christ Church in Lonsdale (Episcopal), 1643 Lonsdale Ave., Lincoln. Services 8 and 10:30 a.m. www.christchurchlincoln.org. 725-1920. Church of the Epiphany, 1336 Pawtucket Ave., Rumford. 434-5012. A diverse Open & Affirming Episcopal congregation. www.epiphanyep.org Church of the Holy Paraclete, Independent Old Catholic; Mass every Sunday at 6 p.m. 155 Douglas Ave., Providence. http://holyparaclete. org; Fr. Jakob Lazarus 218-0706. Emmanuel Episcopal Church. 120 Nate Whipple Highway, Cumberland RI 02864. 658-1506. First Congregational Church in Bristol, an Open and Affirming Congregation. 281 High Street, Bristol. Pastor Dan Randall, 253-7288. First Unitarian Church. A Welcoming congregation at One Benevolent St., Prov.; 421-7970. Services Sunday 10:30 a.m. First Unitarian Church. 71 8th St., New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 994-9686. First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA: UUA Welcoming congregation. Same-gender weddings. 262 Chestnut St. (508) 528-5348. www.fusf.org. Email fusf@verizon.net Foxboro Universalist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association. 6 Bird St., Foxboro, MA 02035. 508-543-4002. Welcoming congregation, marriage ceremonies. www.uufoxborough.org Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, 175 Mathewson Street, Providence. 331-3225. Immanuel Lutheran Church: A Reconciling in Christ congregation, 647 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA 02703. Pastor Sandra Demmler Damico (508) 222-2898, www.immanuellc.org. Interweave at Channing UU Church in Newport (135 Pelham St.) A membership organization for the spiritual, political and social well-being of LGBTQ persons -- and their allies -- confronting oppression. 846-0643. Mathewson St. Church (United Methodist), 134 Mathewson St., Prov., 331-8900. Meditation: Gay Men’s Meditation Experience. Relax and connect. Third Tues. of each month in Cranston, 7 -- 8 p.m. Tim, 944-0723. Fee applies. Mercy of God Community: Christian, inclusive religious order. If you feel called, please visit our Web site: www.mgc.org. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 N. Main St., Attleboro, MA, 02702 Rev. Sandra D. Fitz-Henry. Marriage & commitment ceremonies for all. (508) 222-0505 www.murrayuuchurch.org Newman Congregational Church, Open & Affirming. 100 Newman Ave., Rumford, RI. 43114742. Newport Congregational Church: UCC. Rev. Hayes & Rev. Baker. Open & Affirming. 73 Pelham
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St., Newport. 849-2238 or nccucc@newportcongregationalchurch.org. Park Place Congregational Church, 71 Park Pl., Pawtucket, 726-2800. The Pub Church: A church that meets in a pub! Saturdays, 5 p.m. at The Dugout, 722 Commonwealth Ave. Boston. Open & Affirming. Email thepubchurch@gmail.com. Location may change. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, an inclusive congregation: 1817 Warwick Ave., Warwick. 739-2937
St., Fairhaven, MA 02719; (508) 992-7081. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of So. County: 27 North Rd., Peace Dale, RI; 783-4170 or Val 789-7282. www.uusouthcountyri.org. United Church of Christ: Coalition for LGBT Concerns. 13 Steven Circle, S. Kingstown, RI 02883, Ray Bradley at 782-3871. Westminster Unitarian/Universalist Church: 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich, RI 02818. 884-5933
Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Open and affirming. 635 Purchase St., New Bedford. 508-9975684. Riverside Church (U.C.C.) 15 Oak Ave., Riverside, RI. 433-2039. www.rcc-ucc.com St. Augustine’s Church and Episcopal Center at URI: 35 Lower College Rd., Kingston. 783-2153 www.staugustineURI.com. St. Francis City Ministry at the Church of St. Mary, 535 Broadway, Prov. Office of LGBT Outreach 353-1422 St. James Church: Episcopal, 474 Fruit Hill Ave., No. Prov. 353-2079. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard St. East side of Prov., 751-2141 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church: County & River Sts., New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-8972, stmartins1887@aol.com.
Social Organizations Atheists/Agnostics: RI Atheist Society – “Working to keep Church and State separate” Welcoming all. Meets 3rd Monday of the month at an area restaurant for lively discussions among likeminded people. For info: www.RIatheist.net Bisexual Resource Center: 29 Stanhope St., Boston, (617) 424-9595 or www.biresource.net. Biversity Boston: Mixed-sex social network. Bimonthly brunches and other social events. http://biversity.org. Boston Bisexual Women’s Network: Social activities including monthly brunches, coming out groups, and quarterly newsletter “Bi Woman.” Subscribe at www.biwomenboston.org.
St. Paul’s Church, a Welcoming Episcopal church. 2679 E. Main St., Portsmouth. 862-1466. www. stpaulsportsmouthri.org
Bears Ocean State (BOS): Informal e-group for gay & bisexual bear-identified and -affiliated men for friendly companionship. All welcome. http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/bearsoceanstate or bearsoceanstate-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Age-restricted.
St. Peter & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: 25 Pomona Ave., Prov.; 272-9649. Email.stpanda25@ verizon.net. www.stpetersandstandrews.org.
Bridgewater State College GLBT Alumni Group: email Kenneth Hayes (‘91) khayesbbc@msn.com or visit www.bridgew.edu.
Saint Therese Old Catholic Church, Open & Affirming, Sunday Mass at 10:30 p.m. at 134 Mathewson St., Providence. Fr. David Martins, 263-4296. www.saintthereseocc.org
Cape and Islands Gay & Straight Youth Alliance (CIGYA): (508) 778-7744.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 50 Park Place, Pawtucket. 728-4300. www.stpaulspawtucket.org
Second Congregational Church of Attleboro (UCC) Open & Affirming. 50 Park Street, Attleboro, MA. Sunday worship 10 a.m. (508) 222-4677, www.attleborosecondchurch.org Seekonk Congregational Church: 600 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, MA. 02771, (508) 336-9355, Rev. Joy Utter, www.scc-ucc.com. Temple Agudas Achim: GLBT-friendly, Reconstructionist cong. Rabbi Elyse Wechterman. 901 No. Main St., Attleboro, MA. (508) 222-2243 or www.agudasma.org. Temple Beth-El: GLBT-welcoming. Rabbi Sarah E. Mack. 70 Orchard Ave., Prov., RI 02906. 3316070 Temple Emanu-El, Sessions St. & Morris Ave., Providence. A welcoming Conservative congregation. Rabbi Wayne Franklin, 331-1616. www. teprov.org Temple Habonim: a warm, Welcoming Reform congregation. Rabbi Andrew Klein, 165 New Meadow Rd., Barrington, 245-6536. www.templehabonim.org. Temple Sinai: A Welcoming Reform Temple. Rabbi Peter Stein, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston, RI. 9428350. www.TempleSinairi.org. Unitarian Society of Fairhaven (MA): 102 Green
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CORISMA: Gay and lesbian couples of RI and Southeast MA. Potluck get-togethers for couples only. For info or to be added to email list write: corismainfo@comcast.net. www.corismagroup. org Defenders/Providence: Leather/Levi club, c/o PO Box 41153, Prov., RI 02940. Third Sun at 6 p.m. Fall River’s Rainbow Girls: private, moderated welcoming group for women in the Fall River Area. groups.yahoo.com/group/ Fall_River_Rainbow_Grrls. Gay Lesbian Alliance of Newport County Etc. (GLANCE): Social and entertainment events. E-mail glance1234@hotmail.com. Gay Dads Group: Meets monthly for socializing and support. E-mail serrel30@aol.com. Imperial Court of RI at Prov: Male, female, drag king & queen performers raise funds for local charities. Meetings 1st Mon. of month, all welcome. PO Box 6583, Prov., RI 02904;www. icriprov.org. Lesbian Writers Group, Rochambeau Library, Hope St., Providence. Mondays 7 -- 8:30 p.m. Writing exercises, support. No critiquing or workshopping. Free. Russian or Computer Room. Men’s Card Group: New group in formation. E-mail johninprov@gmail.com or call John 261-9715.
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Men’s Gay Camping: In RI, CT, MA. Gatherings organized for tents to RVs during Spring, Summer and Fall 2012. www.webspawner.com/users/gaycamping/index.html or call 277-0075 or email gaycamping@gmx.com. Mixed Borders Gardening Group: Gardening and more! Monthly meetings, all welcome! For more information: www.MixedBorders.com or E-Mail Mixedborders@cox.net Opera Club: last Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Enjoy hearing and attending. Email Dave at BrettCornellpi4@aol.com Pawtuxet Pride: GLBTQ folks & friends in Pawtuxet Village (Cranston and beyond). All welcome. Call Ed at 345-1264 or email EDZL@aol.com. Providence Gay Men’s Chorus: Mon, 7-9:30 p.m., Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset St, Prov.. New season rehearsals begin in January and August. Singers and nonsinging volunteers welcome. www.provgmc.org. Queer Book Club. Meets 3rd Wednesday 7 p.m. at Books on the Square, 471 Angell St., Providence. Email queerbookclub@gmail.com. Raging Grannies: Women of “a certain age” working toward a more peaceful, equitable society with song, humor & passion. Will sing for rallies & events. Email jlglass53@aol.com. RI Association of Gay Professionals. Professional networking and philanthropy. gayprofessionalnetworkofri@gmail.com. 453-9276 RI Lesbian Social Club: social gatherings for women; email: heylari@yahoo.com or call 272-2962. RI Parents Pride: Gay parents socializing together with their children. Contact Melanie, 464-2288 or saphicangel120@yahoo.com RI Pride: Parade & Festival, year-round events; Box 1082, Prov. RI 02901, info@PrideRI.com; www. PrideRI.com. Office at 1005 Main St. #1105, Pawtucket. 467-2130 RI Prime Timers. Social and networking group for gay and bisexual men 40 and older. Meets 2nd Sundays. www.riprimetimers.org or call Steve at 996-3010. RI Skeptics Society. Yearning to talk with someone rational? Meetings 4th Saturday at a Seekonk restaurant for refreshing discussion. http:// skeptics.meetup.com/133/ RI Women’s Association: Lesbian social group; age 21+; dances/events. www.RIWA.net SAGE/RI (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) Advocacy, education and social events for RI’s LGBTQ seniors. sageriinfo@gmail.com, on Facebook: “Sage/Rhode Island.” SEMASSMEN: Social group for GBQ men of S.E. Mass and RI to foster strong friendships.Semassmen-subscribe@yahoo groups.com or email moderator rlevass @yahoo.com. Trans Queer RI: friendship, fun activities, and support for transgender, queer & like-minded people. Gatherings third Sunday of each month. Email trans.queer.ri@gmail.com.
WomenRIsing. Feminist Chorus. Director Nancy Rosenberg. www.womenrisingchorus.org. Email: contact@womenrisingchorus.org. Yankee Lambda Car Club: Regional club for glbt people interested in vintage & specialty cars. www.yankeelcc.com, sisherwood@aol.com.
PRIDESPORTSBOSTON: Network of twenty-plus gay sports leagues/teams in Boston area: www. pridesportsboston.com 617-937-5858 Gay sports in Boston and beyond: www.gaysports. com. Email info@gaysports.com. BASKETBALL: Boston Gay Basketball League: www.bgbl.com or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 2. BOWLING: RI GALA: 6 p.m. Sun., East Prov. Lanes, Newport Ave., Bruce, 397-3803, or Bill, 828-5587 www.galabowling.com. Monday Night Women’s Bowling League, Pat 451-2188. Royal Court Bowling League: 9 p.m. Wed., Woonsocket Hill Bowl; 767-2110. Big Gay Al’s Duckpin bowling league: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m., Proceeds benefit AIDS causes. Town Hall Lanes, Johnston. www.BGALBowling.com. Frank Ferri 831-6940. www.townhalllanes.com. BOWLING: BOSTON: Monday Night League, www.mnbl.net (617) 713-4832 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 5; Beantown No. G&L Invitational, www. beantownbowling.com (617) 738-0708 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 10; Beantown South G&L Invitational League, (617) 889-1552. DARTS: Beantown Soft-Tip Dart League www.bsdl. org. FLAG FOOTBALL: FLAG (For Lesbians and Gays) Football www.flagflagfootball.com, (617) 9375858 Ext. 4. FOOTBALL: Women’s professional team Northeastern Nitro. Members of the Women’s Football Alliance. Practices held in Bethel, CT. Contact Amy Manfred at amymanfred@yahoo.com or Carley Pesente at linebackergirl56@aol.com.
SNOWBOARDING: OutRyders, www.outryders. org or email brian@outryders.org.
SOFTBALL: Renaissance City Softball League. New players and boosters always welcome. 2267771-642 or rcsl_commish@cox.net. Visit www. providencesoftball.org Beantown Softball League: (617) 937-5858, Ext. 1, www.beantownsoftball.com. SQUASH: Boston Boasts www.bostonboasts.com SWIMMING: LANES (Liquid Assets New England Swim-Team); www.swim-lanes.org; (617) 9375858 Ext. 9. TENNIS: TENNIS-4-All: www.tennis4all.org. VOLLEYBALL: Cambridge Boston Volleyball Assoc. www.GayVolleyball.net, (617) 633-2180 WRESTLING: East Coast Wrestling Club www. eastcoastwrestlingclub.org, email ecwc@juno. com, (401) 467-6737 or (617) 937-5858 Ext. 6
Students & Youth Bristol Community College Gay/Straight Alliance (BCC/GSA); Steven Camara, Advisor (508)6782811 Ext. 2391, BCC-H202, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA 02720. Brown University Queer Alliance: umbrella org. for groups. 863-3062. www.queer.brown.edu Brown University Grad Student - Med Student - Staff LGBTQ Association: queer-med-gradmembers@queer.brown.edu Brown University Staff LGBTQ Assn.: call LGBT Resource Center: 863-3062 Brown University LGBTQ Resource Center: 8633062, e-mail lgbtq@brown.edu
RI/S.E. MA Flag Football: Sats. 10 a.m. All levels and genders. mbs1994ever@yahoo.com
Bryant Pride: Bryant College Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Student Association. 232-6389.
GOLF: Golf4All www.golf4all.net (617) 450-8682.
CCRI Triangle Alliance: Informal student GLBTQ group, 400 East Ave., Warwick. Call 825-1125 or www.ccri.cc.ri.edu/triangle.
HOCKEY: Boston Pride Hockey www.bostonpridehockey.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 7. ICE HOCKEY for WOMEN: email gwick@kersur.net.
Gail Wickstrom
KICKBOXING or BOXING for WOMEN: Tues & Thurs evenings. Christina, 996-5425. www.rondeauskickboxing.com MARTIAL ARTS: Main Street Martial Arts. Nonprofit, welcoming dojo and community center. Scholarships available. 1282 No. Main St., Providence. 274-7672. www.mainstma.org. OUTDOORS: Chiltern Mountain Club, New England’s LGBT outdoor recreation club. www. chiltern.org. Email events@chiltern.org. ROWING: Boston Bay Blades www.bayblades.org/ boston (617) 937-5858 Ext. 11.
UNISONG: For unity through song. Non-performance monthly singing session. www.unisong. net or jlglass53@aol.com
RUNNING: Frontrunners Rhode Island: Brian 751-7643, bripm@cox.net. Frontrunners Boston
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SCUBA DIVING: Triangle Divers: www.triangledivers.org.
SOCCER: Boston Strikers Soccer Club www.bostonstrikers.com (617) 937-5858 Ext. 9.
Sports
T.W.I.S.T. Project: Program for gay and bisexual men in Fall River/New Bedford area. Drop-in center, referrals, condom distribution, social groups. Coffee night Thursdays 7 – 9 p.m. (508) 672-0378; www.myspace.com/twistprogram.
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www.frontrunnersboston.org (617) 937-5858 Ext. 3.
RUGBY: Boston Ironsides Rugby Football Club. www.bostonironsidesrfc.org.
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COLAGE. Support and social activities for children of LGBT Parents: meets third Saturday of the month rhodeisland@colage.org; http://www. myspace.com/colage_ri. 331-9844. Coordinator Veronica Jutras (vjutras5@gmail.com) Fitchburg State College GLBT Alliance: social support group for students. One-in-Ten and Friends, 978-665-3164, sfranzemn@fsc.edu. Peer Listening Line/Fenway Community Health Ctr.: Boston. Youth-staffed hotline for GLBT youth; support, info and referrals. (617) 2672535 or (800)-399-PEER, 5-10 p.m. all week. RIC Rainbow Alliance: GLBT students at RI College, Fridays 12:30 -- 2 p.m, in Unity Center in lower Donovan. Office in StudentUnion 425. ricrainbowalliance2007@yahoo.com. Phone 456--8121 Roger Williams University LGBTQ & Allies group: S.A.F.E (Sexual Advocacy for Everyone): Weekly meetings in Intercultural Center; speakers, so-
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cial and awareness events; Pride Week in April. Email: saferwu03@gmail.com. Facebook: S.A.F.E. Salve Regina University Gay Straight Lesbian Bisexual Alliance (GSLBA), 100 Ochre Point Ave., Newport. Sister Johnelle, Lucianij@salve.edu SeaQuel: Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment and Leadership. Bi-weekly Sunday meetings. 383-7450. myspace.com/seaQuel; Email SeaQuel@Prysm.us S.H.E.P.A.R.D. (Stopping Homophobia, Eliminating Prejudices and Restoring Dignity): Providence College, 1 Cunningham Sq., Prov., RI 02918, E-mail pclgbt@gmail.com. 865-1631 The Trevor Project: The only nationwide, aroundthe-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. Also offers social networks. 866-4-U-TREVOR; 866-488-7386. thetrevorproject.org. The Next Thing (TNT): Political & support group for queer people of color at Brown Univ. Call Brown Queer Alliance, 863-3062. University of RI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer & Questioning (LGBTIQ2) association dedicated to campus inclusiveness among staff, faculty, alumni and students. gsimonelli@advance.uri.edu. 874-5808. Youth Pride Inc./The Way Out: Support, education & advocacy for LGBTQQ young people ages 1323.Drop-in center at 743 Westminster St., Prov. 02903; Mon.---Thurs. noon--8 p.m, Fridays 4 -8 p.m., Sat. 10 -- 5. The Way Out peer support group Tues., 5 p.m. Gender Spectrum support group Tues. 5:30 p.m. Ask about the 14-andunder day. Call 421-5626 or email kerri@youthpride-ri.org Web: www.youthpride-ri.org.
(413) 736-6803. COLAGE (Children of Gays): A national movement of people with one or more LGBT parents. Social activities, education & advocacy. Meets 3rd Saturday of the month. rhodeisland@colage.org. www.myspace.com/colage_ri Coordinator Veronica Jutras (vjutras5@gmail.com) Compass: FTM trans info, support and social group, meets in Boston First Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. www.compassftm.org, compassftm@comcast.net Crossroads RI: Hotline (Travelers Aid): (800) 3672700 Day One (Formerly Sexual Assault and Trauma Resource Center of RI): Counseling & legal aid for victims of sexual assault/abuse & incest. 24-hr hotline (800) 494-8100, collect calls accepted: 421-4100. Dementia and Early Alzheimer’s LGBTQ support group at Calvary United Methodist Church of Middletown, 200 Turner Rd., Middletown RI 02842. 847-6181. Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: Support, court advocacy, counseling, safe home, info for women and men in abusive or controlling, LGBT or straight relationships. 24 hour free and confidential helpline. 7823990. Female-to-Male Support Group: Transgender peer support, information, social group. For those who identify somewhere on the trans-masculine spectrum. Regular meetings. Visit www.SNE_ FTM@yahoo.com Gay Fathers of Greater Boston: support: E-Mail outreach@gayfathersboston.org. www.gayfathersboston.org. Gay Fathers Support Group in RI. Tom Fronczak, LICSW, 431-2953. Fee applies.
Support Groups & Social Services Abuse Victims and Survivors: Support on phone for LGBTQ victims & survivors of partner abuse. Confidential peer-led groups. Hotline (617) 742-4911. Network/LaRed. Email office: advocate@tnir.org
GayLab for Healthy Relationships: Learning & practicing healthy ways to socialize in safe, nonjudgmental environment in LGBT community. www.gaylab.org. Email info@gaylab.org. James, 781-762-6629 Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project: support, info, shelter. (800) 832-1901, www.gmdvp.org.
Adoption Options: Non-sectarian help for LGBT and straight adoptions. Betsy Alper, Jewish Family Service, 959 No. Main St., Providence. 331-54337.
Gay Officers Action League /New England (GOAL NE), gay/lesbian/bisexual law enforcement officers, sworn & civilian. Fire, rescue and publicly employed EMS. P.O. Box 587, Boston, MA 02117; www.goalne.org; info@goalne.org; (617) 376-3612. Confidential.
Foster parents needed: Stipend, assistance, training provided by Family Resources Community Action. 766-0900, ext. 1213.
Gay Share. Coming Out? Gay men’s support group Wed., 7 p.m. No fee. Call Tom/Mike, 369-9448 or www.gayshare.org; Info@gayshare.org.
Foster parents needed, for newborn to age six. www. childrensfriendri.org. 276-4318
Helpline for LGBT Youth: Trevor Helpline, call 24/7 for crisis and suicide prevention. Also social networks. 866-4-U-Trevor
Foster parents sought: Training, stipend, support provided for nurturing families. Gregary Wright, Family Service of RI, 331-1350 Ext. 3305 Behavioral health outpatient services in Fall River area, inclusive of LGBT: S.T.E.P. (508-)2351012; T.W.I.S.T. (508) 672-0378 Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, offering resources for victims of domestic violence. 7233057. Catholic Parents Outreach: Always Our Children, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Sacred Heart Convent, 395 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA. Call Ann,
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HIV+ Gay Men’s Support Group at AIDS Care Ocean State, 18 Parkis Ave., Prov., RI. 5213603. Refreshments served. New members should call Scott: 640-3108 Kathys’ Group: free support group for lesbians with cancer or any life-threatening illness. Meets monthly in Providence. Partners and caregivers welcome. Call 888-5KATHYS. Lesbian Moms of Southern NE: discussion, support and activity list for lesbian mothers. www. topica.com/lists/LMOSNE or ForADancer63@ aol.com.
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Mantalk of S.E. Mass: Social/Discussions for gay/ bi/curious men 18+. Taunton every Thursday, and New Bedford 1st Wed. of the month, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Confidential. Drug/alcohol-free. Email mantalksouthcoast@yahoo.com Nat. Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc./New England: Works for fair and accurate media coverage of LGBT issues, info@nlgja.org. PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays: Greater Providence chapter serves all of RI and Southeastern Mass.: First Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m. at Met School, 325 Public St., Providence. 751-7571; www.pflagprovidence.org; pflagprovidence@verizon.net; Cape Cod/Falmouth: Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth, 840 Sandwich Rd., E. Falmouth. joann@pflagcapecod. org. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Info at 467-9940; 24-hour helpline, (800) 494-8100. RI Rainbow Support Group for people with disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. Meets last Tuesday of each month. 98 Rolfe St., Cranston, 6 - 7:30. Ken Renaud, 785-2100. RI Relay 711. Samaritans: 24-hour hotline for suicidal, lonely, despairing, depressed. (800) 365-4044 (RI only), 272-4044; www.samaritansri.org. Sexual Health Education & Advocacy Program: HIV, sexual wellness, domestic violence risk reduction. Free, confidential, LGBTQ-friendly and bilingual (Spanish). Contact Aida (amanduley@sojournerri.org) or call 861-6191, ext. 121. No caller ID is used; calls are blocked for safety. Sojourner House: Support, shelter, advocacy, info for people in abusive relationships. Call us at 861-6191 We DON’T use Caller ID; calls are blocked for safety. Straight Spouse Support: Straight spouse professional offers peer support and referrals. Jane Harris, (413) 625-6636. Email jcmalinski48@ gmail.com. Straight Spouses Group: Visit www.StraightSpouse. org. for info on groups and online support. TGI Network of R.I.: Support, advocacy for Transgender, Transsexual, Gender-varient, Genderqueer & Intersex people. www.tginetwork.org. info@tginetwork.org. Transgender Support Group: Cape Cod (508) 3624435 Trans Partners New England: Provides loved ones of transgender people with a confidential, safe space to explore the impact of a loved one’s gender identity on their relationships, and to connect with other loved ones of transgender people. Meeting location unpublished for privacy. Email partners@tginetwork.org. TransYouth Family Allies: Support for gender-variant and transgender children ages 3-18. Info@ imatyfa.org. www.imatyfa.org. Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA): Growing organization to address the concerns of fair treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members. www. tavausa.org. Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties, offering services to victims of domestic violence. 846-5263 q
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